Swedish police stumped by animal heads discovery

Swedish authorities are seeking a suspected poacher who has been killing animals, but keeping only their heads. The suspect leaves behind the headless bodies of the animals he shoots.

The incidents have been occurring in the southern region of Sweden in the Ystad municipality, reported The Local. Swedish authorities, however, are perplexed as to who is committing these appalling acts. So far three animals have been found decapitated and officials think the same person has shot each one.

Police have found a wild boar, a red deer and a roe deer. Who killed these animals illegally and left them behind has authorities baffled, but they appear to believe these are not isolated incidents.

“As the hunting occurred in the same area there is reason to suspect a connection. But it’s usually hard to find out who is responsible,” said Ystad police spokesperson Hasse Persson to the local Skånska Dagbladetnewspaper (via The Local). “We have not had something like this before, where the poacher only takes the trophy.”

So far no other media reports have surfaced to elaborate on this case or report any additional instances.